How To Tell If You Should Repair or Replace Your Wooden Fence

It is relatively easy to tell when your wooden fence might need repair. For example, discolouration, splintering, and warping are all signs that a repair is required. You can also look to the fence base for clues about potential problems, like pooling water. While repairs are easy to spot, it is not as straightforward to determine the need for replacement and new fence installation in Brantford. There are at least five signs that it might be time for you to throw in the towel with your original property fence and have it replaced.

1. Leaning

A leaning fence is a sign of structural damage to the post’s foundation. A fence might begin to lean for many reasons, but it typically occurs if the post is not solidified below the frost level. Every fence post is generally anchored into concrete, and when the concrete is not placed deep enough, the winter can lead to a loosening of the soil, which can damage the foundation. Because of the expense to repair the problem, it is typically best to replace the fence.

2. Split or Missing Boards

While there is nothing wrong with attempting to fix or replace a single split or missing board, there comes the point when it is best to start from scratch. If you have multiple lost or damaged boards around the property’s perimeter, it is likely best to rebuild. 

Regardless of the species and its weather tolerance, all wood will eventually split, warp, or fail. When a board begins to show signs of damage, it needs to be replaced because there is little or nothing you can do to reverse the damage.

3. Rotting

When portions of the fence are rotting, there are a few things that need to be done. First, you will need to remove the rotten material to prevent the problem from spreading. Second, you will need to determine the source or cause of the rotting — in most cases, rotting is due to water damage. Finally, you will need to replace the rotted sections after fixing the cause of the damage.

Depending on the source, you might need to replace the entire fence. If the damage stemmed from pooling around the bases of the posts, the foundation for each post might need to be replaced.

4. Loose Screws or Missing Nails

All fence pieces are held in place with fasteners, either screws or nails. Over time, these fasteners will lose grip within the fencing. Screws tend to last longer than nails. However, when either begins to show signs of loosening or when materials go missing, you can either make a new hole or replace the existing board.

5. Repairs Are Too Expensive

Regardless of the type of damage to your fencing, there are likely always options to repair the existing structure. However, you will need to weigh the costs of repairs against the replacement of the fence. 

Once a fence begins to show multiple signs of ageing, resulting in any combination of the above five issues, it will likely cost more to repair the fence than to replace it. A fence repair service can present you with the options, but only you can make the call.

Are you in need of fence repair services, or are you looking for an estimate for replacing your fence? In either case, reach out to our Handyman Connection team in Brantford for professionals you know you can trust. Fencing is a vital part of beauty and privacy, do not let your fence sit in disrepair for too long.